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    the (really) high life

    Houston's second-priciest penthouse sells in posh Post Oak high-rise

    Steven Devadanam
    Mar 23, 2022 | 3:00 pm
    The outdoor space features a pool and sweeping views.
    The outdoor space features a pool and sweeping views.
    Photo courtesy of Nan and Company Properties

    With more locals opting for the lock-and-leave lifestyle, elevated living is on the rise. Little surprise, then, that a highly coveted penthouse, Houston’s second-highest priced, has just sold.

    Located on the 28th floor of the tony Astoria(1409 Post Oak Blvd.), the high-rise was listed at $6.9 million by Nancy Almodovar of Nan and Company Properties. While the final sale price wasn’t disclosed, it’s estimated to be between $5.8 million and $6.76 million, according to the Houston Association of Realtors.

    Boasting six bedrooms and six 6 bathrooms, the 9,500-square-foot space features sweeping views of the Post Oak area. Amenities start with a private elevator entrance, Italian Bardiglio marble flooring, a four-screen video wall, floating shelves, and custom lighting fixtures. The unit is marked by high ceilings and wide windows.

    In the dining room, Calacutta gold marble floors balance two contemporary chandeliers while opening into a modern chef’s kitchen. The cooking/gathering space is home to custom Eggersman cabinetry, quartz countertops and glass backsplash, stainless steel Miele appliances, and a butler's catering kitchen that is also home to an ample amount of storage space, per the property description.

    Oenophiles will no doubt make use of the 600-bottle, climate-controlled wine room featuring custom cabinetry and considerable storage space. Cinephiles, meanwhile, can enjoy a private movie screening room with a 125-inch screen, Milliken carpet, and 12 sound-deadening wall pads. A game room has nine — yes, nine —large screen TVs and a view of downtown.

    After watching sports, sporty residents can take a swing in the private, 3D golf simulator room outfitted with Astro-turf, or hit the weights in a private home gym with its wall of full-length mirrors, built-in TV monitor, and direct access to a private outdoor space.

    A private, cull-cedar sauna and steam room with built-in aromatherapy, cooling sprays, shower and speakers provides a post-workhouse paradise.

    The primary bedroom provides floor-to-ceiling windows, a custom see-through fireplace, a spacious private outdoor balcony, a coffee bar and coved floor, and ceiling lights. Its spa-like primary bath features a standing glass shower, soaking tub, his and her Japanese Toto separate toilets, and mirrored TV. Details aren’t spared in the bedroom closets; they come with custom, Calacatta marble countertops.

    Though dwellers couldn’t be blamed for staying indoors exclusively, outside, the penthouse features a private oasis pool that overlooks the city with over 1,300 square feet of space outfitted with lush turf for outdoor fun.

    This Astoria high-rise is the brainchild of Randall Davis and DC Partners; lobby and residential areas were designed by Eric Clough of the award-winning firm, 212 Box.

    Soak in the bath.

    Astoria penthouse Houston
      
    Photo courtesy of Nan and Company Properties
    Soak in the bath.
    high-rises
    news/home-design
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    planned with care

    Expert Houston event planner names 8 hot trends for proper parties

    Emily Cotton
    Mar 7, 2025 | 10:00 am
    Planned With home party trends
    Photo by Maritere Rice
    Tropical florals and vintage accessories set the scene for a spring fête.

    In backyards across Houston, leaves are unfurling, flowers are blooming, and temperate afternoons are stretching farther into cool and breezy evenings — it’s officially hosting season.

    Spring brings with it a plethora of opportunities to share one’s home with friends and family. From Easter brunches and egg hunts to graduation celebrations and trendy Mahjong parties, eager hosts scour the internet for aspirational insights for throwing the most memorable event of the season.

    Whether one takes a fully do-it-yourself approach to event planning or chooses a more laissez-faire option by hiring a professional, the first step is always the research phase: what are the newest themes, cocktails, color schemes, and photo vignettes for the season? CultureMap sought the advice of event planner extraordinaire Emily Rudelson of Planned With to get the scoop on the hottest entertaining trends of 2025. With a portfolio that includes Lululemon, Sweetgreen, Mercedes-Benz, and many more, Rudelson has a resume that more than qualifies her (Full disclosure: Rudelson once worked for CultureMap.)

    “Hosting an unforgettable at-home event is more than just setting the table and pouring drinks — it’s about creating a high-quality experience that feels effortless for both the host and the guests,” Rudelson tells CultureMap. “A big advantage to hosting an event at home is the freedom to create a truly unique experience without the cost, bounds, or restrictions of a venue. No rigid event timelines, no décor limitations, no preset vendor lists. Just pure creativity and personalization.”

    Here’s what’s defining at-home entertaining in 2025:

    Elevated dinner parties
    Think intimate, chef-driven experiences with curated tasting menus, wine pairings, and tablescapes that feel colorful, textured, and layered for a high-end, varied aesthetic. Bold stripe patterns, retro 70s prints, or tropical florals are trendy settings to make your table particularly beautiful this year.

    Moody and layered lighting
    A variety of candles, dimmable lamps, and sculptural light fixtures create an intimate ambiance that transforms any space into an intimate lounge.

    Interactive entertainment
    Guests want to be immersed, not just observe. Think of entertainment moments that unfold during dinner (not just after), allowing every guest a good view from their own comfortable spot.

    Signature cocktail experiences
    Gone are basic bar setups. Expect custom bars, cocktail ice luges, cocktail carts, tableside mixology, and statement cocktails.

    Sustainable and local-first hosting
    Eco-conscious entertaining is in — compostable decor (like opting for fresh flowers or herb centerpieces), locally sourced ingredients, and vintage or rental glassware to cut down on waste.

    Nature-inspired designs
    Bring the outdoors in with lush greenery, seasonal floral installations, and organic colors and textures that create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Sage, terracotta, lavender, and subtle pinks are hot colors for 2025 and tones that work for every season.

    Intimate lounge seating over formal tables
    Cocktail party-style layouts with plush sofas, floor cushions, and intimate seating clusters encourage conversation and movement.

    Live personalization and gifting
    The best events leave guests with more than just memories —they take home one-of-a-kind, custom favors. Whether it's live embroidered scarves, live hat branding, engraving stations, or custom scent blending, these activations add a meaningful, hands-on experience that make your event unforgettable.

    Hosting is not for the faint of heart and can easily spiral out of control, which is something Rudelson sees often. Hiring a professional planner allows people to enjoy the event rather than feeling overwhelmed by making sure everything goes smoothly.

    “With unlimited possibilities come a lot of moving parts, which is why Planned With ensures every detail is effortlessly executed and creates a thoughtfully designed experience that you and your guests will be talking about long after the night ends.”

    Planned With home party trends
      

    Photo by Maritere Rice

    Tropical florals and vintage accessories set the scene for a spring fête.

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